Brake system and suspension for use therewith

ABSTRACT

A compact brake system for a wheeled vehicle fits substantially within the profile of a tire and rim to reduce wheel box width to increase cargo space between wheel boxes. In one embodiment, a caliper bracket is mounted on a spindle lever connected to a wheel spindle, eliminating the need for a standard brake flange extending from the spindle and thereby reducing the width of the brake system. The spindle lever is mounted on a torque bar rotatably mounted on an axle to allow vertical movement of the spindle to be reacted in a dampening mechanism. A brake caliper is mounted on the caliper bracket for brakingly engaging a brake rotor. The brake caliper, caliper bracket, spindle lever and spindle are substantially or entirely disposed within the tire profile. Alternately, the brake caliper may be mounted on a drop center spindle or used with a spindle mounted on an axle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates generally to a brake system for use with wheeledvehicles or trailers. More particularly, the invention relates to such abrake system which fits substantially within the rim of a wheel toenlarge cargo space by reducing the size of the wheel box of the vehicleor trailer. Specifically, the invention relates to such a brake systemwhich fits substantially within the profile of the vehicle wheels.

2. Background Information

In the transportation of cargo via tractor-trailer rigs and other trucksand vehicles, cargo space is at a premium. Typically this cargo space iswithin a trailer being hauled by a truck or tractor rig. One factor thatreduces the available cargo space within a trailer is the existence ofinwardly extending wheel boxes or fenders which house the upper portionof the wheels of the trailer or other vehicle. Because there are legalwidth standards which a cargo trailer may not exceed for travel onpublic roads, it is impractical to eliminate these wheel boxes. Thesewheel boxes take up a substantial amount of space within the cargo areaand as a result it is desirable in the art to reduce the size of thewheel boxes to provide additional cargo space.

One solution to this problem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,251granted to Smith, which discloses an axleless vehicle suspension system.In addition to allowing a widened cargo area, the Smith patent alsoallows the trailer body to be lowered closer to the ground to increasecargo space in that dimension. However, the structure of the Smithinvention eliminates the vehicle axle and requires other substantialchanges to conventional structures and thus is likely to be a relativelycostly solution. There remains room for improvement for increasing cargospace by reducing the size of wheel boxes and Applicant's invention addsa significant step in this direction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a brake system for a vehicle having aframe, the system comprising a spindle assembly including a spindlemember and an arm extending transversely therefrom; the spindle memberhaving an axis; a rim rotatably mounted on the spindle member about theaxis; a tire mounted on the rim; the tire having a substantiallycircular inner edge; the spindle extending radially outwardly from theaxis no further than does the inner edge of the tire; a brake calipermounted on the spindle and being disposed at least partially outboard ofthe inner edge of the tire.

The present invention also includes a brake system for a vehicle havinga frame, the system comprising a spindle having an axis; a rim rotatablymounted on the spindle about the axis; a tire mounted on the rim; thetire having a substantially circular inner edge; a brake rotor rotatablymounted on the spindle about the axis and disposed entirely outboard ofthe inner edge of the tire; and a brake caliper for selectivelybrakingly engaging the rotor; the brake caliper being disposed entirelyoutboard of the inner edge of the tire.

The present invention further includes a brake system for a vehiclehaving first and second opposed sides, the system comprising a spindlehaving an axis and being adapted to mount on an axle adjacent one offirst and second opposed ends of the axle, the axle extending betweenthe first and second sides of the vehicle with the first end of the axleadjacent the first side of the vehicle and the second end of the axleadjacent the second side of the vehicle; a rim rotatably mounted on thespindle about the axis; a tire mounted on the rim and having an inneredge; and a brake caliper mounted on the spindle and being disposed atleast partially outboard of the inner edge.

The present invention also includes a brake system for a vehicle havinga frame, the system comprising a spindle having an axis; a hub rotatablymounted on the spindle about the axis; the hub having an inner edge andan outer edge; a brake rotor mounted on the hub entirely between theinner and outer edges of the hub; and a brake caliper mounted on thespindle for selectively brakingly engaging the rotor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is side elevational view of a tractor-trailer rig with which thebrake system of the present invention is used with the trailer.

FIG. 2 is sectional view of FIG. 1 taken on line 2—2 with the trailerbody shown in phantom.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged fragmentary view of one of the wheels and aportion of the trailer body shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 except it is a fragmentary view and shows aprior art brake system and corresponding trailer body shown in phantom.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4—4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5—5 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the brake system of thepresent invention mounted on a vehicle frame.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a prior art brake assembly.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view showing the relationship between FIGS. 8Aand 8B.

FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the brakeassembly shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8B is an exploded perspective view of the other portion of thebrake system shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9—9 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the upper portion of FIG. 9showing the brake system in a non-braking position.

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10 and shows the brake system in a brakingposition.

FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 9 except it shows a wheel with a widerprofile.

FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 12 and shows a second embodiment of thepresent invention using a drop center spindle.

FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 12 and shows a third embodiment of thepresent invention with a spindle connected to an axle.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The brake system of the present invention is indicated generally at 10in FIGS. 4–6 and 8–9. System 10 is configured to be used with a wheeledvehicle such as a trailer 12 of a tractor-trailer rig 14 (FIG. 1).System 10 is more particularly configured for use with a wheeled vehiclehaving a cargo area into which fenders or wheel boxes (as at 16 in FIG.2) extend, and is intended to increase the cargo area by reducing thesize of the wheel boxes. This increase in cargo space and reduction ofwheel box width is indicated in FIG. 2 in contrast to the prior artshown in FIG. 3. More particularly, system 10 allows wheel boxes 16 of atrailer body 18 to have a reduced width, thereby allowing the cargospace between wheel boxes 16, as represented by width WNEW in FIG. 2, tobe wider than the width WOLD of the prior art trailer body 20 used withprior art brake systems, as represented in FIG. 3.

To achieve this wider cargo space WNEW, system 10 is situatedsubstantially within the tire profile (defined further below) of each oftrailer wheels 22 (FIG. 2). By contrast, the prior art brake systems 24are situated predominantly inboard of wheels 26 of the prior artconfiguration (FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 2A, system 10 protrudes fromwithin the tire profile only slightly in an inboard direction beyond aninner edge 30 of a tire 32 of wheel 22, thereby allowing trailer frame28 and trailer body 18 to be disposed closely adjacent to inner edge 30.

In addition, for vehicles affected by maximum width standards, it isimportant to minimize, and preferably eliminate, any protrusion in anoutboard direction beyond an outer edge 97 of tire 32. System 10 isconfigured in accordance with this concept, so that, for examplestructure such as a rim 46 of wheel 22 does not extend outboard of outeredge 97. More particularly, this is important in relation to maximumwidth standards because any such outboard protrusion adds to the widthof the vehicle, which must be compensated for by moving wheel 22 andrelated structure in an inboard direction to stay within the maximumwidth standards. This compensation thus requires the wheel boxes to bewidened and consequently reduces the cargo space between the wheelboxes. It is noted that not all vehicles approach the maximum widthstandards and thus, for example, a rim extending outboard of the outeredge of the tire would not bring the maximum width standards into play.In this latter case, it is not critical to prevent an outboardprotrusion as discussed above. Most typically, however, brake system 10will used on vehicles where the maximum width standards are pertinent sothat minimization or elimination of such outboard protrusions is animportant aspect of the invention.

As brake system 10 is associated with each of wheels 22 and each system10 is either identical or a mirror image of the other, only one will bedescribed. Brake system 10 is mounted on frame 28 via an elongated axle34 extending between wheels 22 (FIG. 2). Axle 34 is part of a suspensionassembly 36 which further includes a dampening mechanism in the form ofair spring 38 and trailer mounting structure 40. An air inlet 39communicates with air spring 38. Other dampening mechanisms known in theart may take the place of air spring 38, such as leaf springs, coilsprings, rubber blocks and so forth. A rotatable arm 39 (FIG. 4) ismounted on one end thereof to air spring 38 and on the other end thereofto a mounting member in the form of an elongated torque bar 42 viamounting bracket 41 (FIG. 6).

With reference to FIGS. 4–6, system 10 is mounted to axle 34 via torquebar 42, which is rotatably mounted on axle 34 by a pair of spaced torquebar mounts 44. Torque bar 42 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis 45extending in the elongated direction of torque bar 42 (FIG. 6). Inaccordance with a main feature of the invention, a substantial part ofsystem 10 is disposed within rim 46 of each wheel 22, or moreparticularly, within a cavity 47 (FIG. 9) defined by rim 46. Inparticular, an elongated arm or spindle lever 48 arm having an inneredge 49 and an outer edge 51 is mounted adjacent an outboard end 50(FIG. 8) of torque bar 42 and a caliper bracket 52 having an inner edge53 (FIGS. 5, 6, 8A and 9) and an outer edge 55 (FIGS. 6, 8A and 9) ismounted directly to spindle lever 48. A brake caliper 54 is removablymounted on caliper bracket 52 for selectively brakingly engaging a brakerotor 56 as a result of selectively pressurized hydraulic fluid flowingthrough brake line 58 (FIG. 6).

With reference to FIG. 5, spindle lever 48 is rigidly attached adjacenta first end 60 thereof to torque bar 42 and rigidly attached adjacent asecond end 62 of spindle lever 48 to an elongated spindle 64 having aninner edge 66 (FIGS. 5 and 9) and an outer edge 68 (FIGS. 8A and 9).Spindle 64 is configured for mounting wheel 22 thereon rotatably about alongitudinal axis 67 extending in the elongated direction of spindle 64and substantially parallel to axis 45 of torque bar 42 (FIG. 6). Moreparticularly, torque bar 42 and spindle 64 are received withinrespective holes 63 and 65 formed in spindle lever 48. Torque bar 42 andspindle 64 are substantially parallel to one another and spindle lever48 extends substantially perpendicularly between torque bar 42 andspindle 64. Caliper bracket 52 is rigidly mounted to spindle lever 48adjacent second end 62 thereof and extends outwardly in a direction awayfrom first end 60 of spindle lever 48. Caliper bracket 52 is alsogenerally elongated in a direction perpendicular to the elongateddirection of spindle lever 48. Bracket 52 may be attached to spindlelever 48 by welding, fasteners or other means known in the art. Inaddition, spindle lever 48 and bracket 52 may be formed as a one-pieceintegral member, preferably as forged or cast metal. Taken together,spindle lever 48 and bracket 52 form a generally Y-shaped member whereinbracket 52 is a yoke sitting atop spindle lever 48, which is an uprightof the Y-shaped member. Bracket 52 includes a pair of spaced laterallyextending arms 70 defining an interior space 72 there between. Amounting flange 74 extends from each arm 70 into interior space 72.Brake caliper 54 is fastened to caliper bracket 52 with bolts 76, whichengage respective mounting flanges 74 whereby a portion of brake caliper54 is received within space 72.

With reference to FIG. 7, a prior art brake system 80 is described toshow the contrast with system 10. System 80 includes a torque bar 82with a spindle lever 84 mounted thereon. A spindle 86 extends fromspindle lever 84 and a brake flange 88 extends radially outwardly fromspindle 86 and defines a plurality of mounting holes 90. System 80further includes a caliper bracket 92 defining a central hole 94surrounded by a plurality of radially spaced mounting holes 96 whichalign with mounting holes 90 of bracket flange 88 whereby fasteners (notshown) are received through respective holes 96 and 90 to mount caliperbracket 92 to brake flange 88 with hole 94 of bracket 92 receivingspindle 86 therein. Caliper bracket 92 further includes two sets ofcaliper mounting holes 98. System 80 further includes a brake caliper100 which is mounted to caliper bracket 92 via holes 98 thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 8–9 and in accordance with a main feature of theinvention, system 10 obviates the need for a brake flange such as brakeflange 88 of system 80 which is mounted on a spindle such as spindle 86(FIG. 7). The mounting of caliper bracket 52 on spindle lever 48 allowssystem 10 to be free of such a brake flange extending radially fromspindle 64. The elimination of such a brake flange allows system 10 tobe far more compact than conventional brake systems. Thus, the profileof system 10 is substantially narrower than conventional brake systemsand fits substantially within rim 46 of wheel 22, allowing for anarrower wheel box 16 and thus providing additional space to widen thecargo area of trailer body 18 between wheel boxes 16, as previouslynoted.

More particularly and with reference to FIG. 9, most of the componentsof system 10 fit substantially within a tire profile of tire 32. For thepurposes of this application, the tire profile of tire 32 is defined asfollows. Annular inner edge 30 of tire 32 lies in a substantiallyvertical imaginary inner plane 95 whereby the intersection of inner edge30 and plane 95 substantially defines a circle. Tire 32 also has anannular outer edge 97 which lies in a substantially vertical imaginaryouter plane 99 whereby the intersection of outer edge 97 and outer plane99 substantially defines a circle. Inner plane 95 and outer plane 99 aresubstantially parallel to one another. The tire profile of tire 32 liesbetween inner plane 95 and outer plane 99, being bound thereby. The tireprofile of tire 32 also has a circumferential boundary which issubstantially cylindrical. In particular, the circumferential boundaryis defined by a cylinder 101 defined by each of the circles previouslynoted, that is, the circle defined by the intersection of inner plane 95and inner edge 30 of tire 32 and the circle defined by the intersectionof outer plane 99 and outer edge 97 of tire 32.

Similarly, rim 46 defines a rim profile, detailed below. Rim 46 includesa tire receiving annular wall 115 and a mounting wall 117 for mountingrim 46 to a hub 108. Mounting wall 117 is connected to annular wall 115along the interior of annular wall 115 along a substantially circularintersection between walls 115 and 117. Rim 46 has an annular inner edge103 on wall 115 which lies in a substantially vertical plane 105 wherebythe intersection of inner edge 103 and inner plane 105 defines a circle.Rim 46 also has an annular outer edge 107 on wall 115 which lies in asubstantially vertical outer plane 109 whereby the intersection of outeredge 107 and outer plane 109 define a circle. The rim profile liesbetween and is bounded by inner plane 105 and outer plane 109. Innerplane 105 and outer plane 109 are substantially parallel to one another.The rim profile is also bounded by a cylinder 111 defined by thepreviously noted circles of the intersections of inner edge 103 andinner plane 105 and the intersection of outer edge 107 and outer plane109. The rim profile lies within cylinder 111. Rim 46 also has a centralplane 113 which lies halfway between inner plane 105 and outer plane 109and is substantially parallel with each of these planes. Central plane113 also lies midway between inner plane 95 and outer plane 99 of tire32 although an altered configuration of the tire could offset a centralplane of the tire with respect to a central plane of the rim.

FIGS. 8A and 9 clearly show that system 10 is free of a brake flangesuch as the prior art brake flange 88 (FIG. 7) extending from spindle64. FIG. 8B shows an exploded view of the various parts which aremounted on spindle 64 when assembled. These parts include a seal 102, aninner bearing 104 and a hub and rotor assembly 106, which includes brakerotor 56 and hub 108, which is rotatably mounted on spindle 64 aboutaxis 67. Rotor 56 and hub 108 are connected with bolts 110 extendingthrough corresponding aligned holes in rotor 56 and hub 108. The partsfor mounting on spindle 64 further include an outer bearing 112, bearingretaining nuts and washers 114, an oil cap 116 and bolts 118 formounting oil cap 116 to hub 108. FIG. 9 shows these parts mounted onspindle 64 along with wheel 22 whereby rim 46 is mounted on hub 108 viabolts 110 and corresponding nuts 120. Caliper 54 includes an inner brakepad or friction pad 122 and an outer brake pad or friction pad 124disposed on opposite sides of rotor 56. System 10 may also include anantilock brake system (ABS) including an ABS sensor 126 and an ABS tonering 128.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, hub 108 has an annular inner edge119 and an annular outer edge 121, each of which is substantiallyperpendicular to axis 67. Inner edge 119 of hub 108 lies in asubstantially vertical imaginary inner plane 123. Outer edge 121 lies ina substantially vertical imaginary outer plane 125. Inner plane 123 andouter plane 125 are substantially parallel to one another. Hub 108 alsohas a central plane 127 which lies halfway between inner plane 123 andouter plane 125 and is substantially parallel with each of these planes.

In accordance with the invention, the configuration of the various partsof system 10 make it compact and allow it to fit substantially orentirely within the tire profile and substantially within the rimprofile. The relationship between the parts is more particularlydescribed below with reference to FIG. 9. Brake rotor 56 is mounted onhub 108 entirely between inner edge 119 and outer edge 121 of hub 108.More particularly, rotor 56 is intersected by central plane 127 of hub108. Brake caliper 54 is mounted on spindle 64 adjacent inner edge 66 ofspindle 64. In particular, brake caliper 54 is mounted on spindle 64 viacaliper bracket 52 so that inner edge 53 of the caliper bracket 52 issubstantially aligned with inner edge 66 of spindle 64. Brake caliper 54is disposed entirely between the inner edge 53 and outer edge 55 ofspindle 64. Friction pads 122 and 124 are disposed entirely betweeninner edge 119 and outer edge 121 of hub 108. Outer edge 51 of spindlelever 48 and inner edge 119 of hub 108 are closely adjacent one anotherand define there between a narrow annular space 129 within which nostructure is disposed.

In accordance with a feature of the invention and with reference to FIG.9, a substantial portion of system 10 is disposed on the outboard sideof inner plane 95 defined by inner edge 30 of tire 32. More simply, asubstantial portion of system 10 is disposed outboard of inner edge 30.A substantial portion of system 10 is also disposed on the outboard sideof inner plane 105 associated with rim 46, or more simply, outboard ofinner edge 103 of rim 46. In particular, brake caliper 54 is entirely onthe outboard side of plane 95 and within the tire profile. Caliper 54 isalso substantially on the outboard side of plane 105 and within the rimprofile. Each of caliper bracket 52 and spindle lever 48 are disposedsubstantially on the outboard side of inner plane 95 and within the tireprofile while also over half of each of bracket 52 and spindle lever 48are disposed on the outboard side of inner plane 105 and within the rimprofile. Thus, each of brake caliper 54, caliper bracket 52 and spindlelever 48 are disposed entirely inboard of outer edge 97 of tire 32. Eachof spindle lever 48 and torque bar 42 extend radially outwardly fromaxis 67 no further than does substantially circular inner edge 30 oftire 32 and no further than does substantially circular inner edge 103of rim 46.

In addition, spindle 64 is disposed substantially on the outboard sideof planes 95 and 105 and substantially within the tire profile and therim profile. In particular, spindle 64 has a substantially horizontallongitudinal length L (FIG. 10) at least 90% of which is preferablywithin the tire profile and at least 80% of which is preferably withinthe rim profile. Outboard end 50 of torque bar 42 is also disposedwithin the tire profile and the rim profile. Spindle 64 and torque bar42 are disposed entirely inboard of outer edge 97 of tire 32. Rotor 56is entirely within the tire and rim profiles and more particularly isintersected by central plane 113 and is nearly centered within rim 46and tire 32. Mounting wall 117 is offset from central plane 113 on theoutboard side thereof. In particular, mounting wall 117 is entirelydisposed between central plane 113 and outer plane 109 so that noportion of mounting wall 117 is outside of the rim profile or the tireprofile. The offset aspect of wall 117 allows the various brakecomponents to fit substantially within space 47 of rim 46. Keeping wall117 inboard of outer edge 97 of tire 32 is important in relation to theconcept discussed earlier of minimizing outboard protrusions withrespect to maximum vehicle width standards so as to maximize the cargospace between wheel boxes 16. However, even where some wheel componentor other component such as oil cap 116 extends a short distance outboardof outer edge 97 of tire 32, the increase thereby of the trailer widthmay be sufficiently minimal so that any resulting loss of cargo space isoffset by the substantial increase in cargo space between wheel boxes16. In addition, where a given vehicle does not approach the maximumwidth standard, extensions outboard of outer edge 97 often will notpresent an issue regarding this standard.

In operation, friction pads 122 and 124 move between a non-brakingposition indicated in FIG. 10 and a braking position indicated in FIG.11. The non-braking position in FIG. 10 is exaggerated for clarity,although as known, pads 122 and 124 normally are in contact with rotor56 under minimal frictional engagement in the non-braking position. Asknown in the art, application of a brake pedal (not shown) pressurizeshydraulic fluid 130 to activate friction pads 122 and 124 in thedirection indicated by Arrows A in FIG. 11 to apply braking force torotor 56. Release of the brake pedal relieves the pressure on thehydraulic fluid 130 which relieves the force on pads 122 and 124,thereby relieving the braking force applied to rotor 56. Thus, the basicoperation of friction pads 122 and 124 in applying pressure to rotor 56is conventional.

Because system 10 involves the use of spindle lever 48 and torque bar 42which is mounted on axle 34, the function of these members is alsobriefly described. As a vehicle such as trailer 12 travels down theroad, wheel 22 and spindle 64 move up and down in response to bumps anddips in the road. This movement is translated via spindle lever 48 torotate wheel 22 and spindle 64 about torque bar 42. The rotationalmovement of torque bar 42 about axis 45 is further translated throughrotatable arm 39, which is rigidly attached to torque bar 42, wherebythe up and down movement of wheel 22 is ultimately reacted by air spring38 to dampen said movement.

FIG. 12 shows system 10 in use with a wheel 222 having a rim 246 andtire 232 each of which is wider than rim 46 and tire 32. Tire 232 has aninner edge 230 and an outer edge 297. The tire profile of tire 232 isdefined in a manner analogous to that of tire 32. Rim 246 defines acavity 247 and includes a tire receiving annular wall 315 and a mountingwall 317 connected to annular wall 315 along the interior thereof alonga substantially circular intersection between walls 315 and 317. Rim 246has an inner edge 303 on wall 315 and an outer edge 307 on wall 315. Therim profile of rim 246 is defined in an analogous manner to that of rim46. FIG. 12 shows that the relative sizes of tire 232, rim 246 andsystem 10 may vary somewhat so that all of the components of system 10other than torque bar 42 are entirely disposed outboard of inner edge230 and within the tire profile. More particularly, spindle lever 48,caliper bracket 52 and spindle 64 may also be entirely outboard of inneredge 230 and entirely within the tire profile and thus entirely inboardof outer edge 97 of tire 32. While not shown, these components may alsobe configured to fit entirely within the rim profile. However, the moreimportant aspect is to be disposed outboard of inner edge 230 of tire232. When these components are entirely outboard of inner edge 230, thentire 232 itself is the only limiting factor for expanding the width of atrailer such as trailer body 18 situated between a pair of wheels suchas wheels 222. With regard to the maximum width standards previouslydiscussed, it is noted that oil cap 116 and indeed all components ofwheel 222 and brake system 10 are disposed entirely inboard of outeredge 297 of tire 232. Stated another way, no portion of wheel 222 orsystem 10 are disposed outboard of outer edge 297.

Thus, brake system 10 provides a narrow-profile brake system configuredto fit substantially within the profile of rim 46 and substantiallywithin the profile of tire 32. Preferably, all the components of system10 other than torque bar 42 are on the outboard side of the inner planebounding the tire profile. The narrow profile of system 10 is madepossible by the elimination of a brake flange such as prior art brakeflange 88 on a spindle such as spindle 64 and the corresponding mountingof a caliper bracket such as prior art bracket 92 on brake flange 88.The system 10 configuration is permitted by the mounting of caliperbracket 52 on spindle lever 48, which reduces the width or profileneeded to provide a functional brake system. Shifting mounting wall 117away from inner plane 113 in an outboard direction while remaininginboard of outer plane 109 also permits system 10 to remain within thetire profile to maximize cargo space for vehicles which are wide enoughto be affected by maximum width standards. In addition, the variousparts of system 10 are configured in a compact manner, as previouslydescribed, to allow maximization of the cargo space at issue.

System 400 is shown in FIG. 13 and is similar to system 10 except that adrop center spindle 464 is used instead of a spindle lever so that amodified caliper bracket 452 is connected to spindle 464. Drop centerspindle 464 includes a spindle member or spindle shaft 466 having acentral longitudinal axis 467 and disposed in a position analogous tothat of spindle 64 of system 10. Spindle 464 further includes a drop arm448 extending downwardly from spindle shaft 466 perpendicularly theretoin a position similar to that of spindle lever 48 of system 10. Amounting member or structure 468 extends from arm 448 in a directionopposite that of spindle shaft 466 and is received within an axle 434whereby spindle 464 is mounted on a vehicle frame. Axle 434 has acentral longitudinal axis substantially parallel with axis 467 ofspindle shaft 467. Mounting structure 466 may take any suitableconfiguration for mounting on an axle or directly onto a vehicle frame.Drop center spindle 464 is an integral one-piece member, which iscommon, but may also be formed of separate members. A dampeningmechanism 438, diagrammatically shown, is mounted to axle 434 and isdisposed generally above axle 434, although it may also be below orbeside axle 434. As noted with system 10, air springs, coil springs,leaf springs, rubber blocks and the like may be used to provide thedampening mechanism.

As with spindle lever 48 of system 10, arm 448 is disposed entirelyoutboard of the inner edge 230 of tire 232 and within the tire profile.Arm 448 is also substantially outboard of inner edge 303 of rim 246. Arm448 may also be partially outboard of inner edge 230, as shown byanalogy with regard to spindle lever 48 in FIG. 9. Arm 448, and thusdrop center spindle 464, extends radially outwardly from axis 467 nofurther than does substantially circular inner edge 230 of tire 232 andno further than does substantially circular inner edge 303 of rim 246.

In light of the similarities between systems 10 and 400, it is notedthat with regard to system 10, spindle 64 in combination with spindlelever 48 may be deemed a spindle whereby spindle 64 is a spindle memberand spindle lever 48 is an arm extending transversely therefrom. Spindle64 and spindle lever 48 may be formed as an integral one-piece member,such as forged or cast metal. As suggested by the possibility ofintegrally forming spindle lever 48 and caliper bracket 52, theformation of spindle 64, spindle lever 48 and bracket 52 may also be asan integral one-piece member.

System 500 is shown in FIG. 14 and similar to systems 10 and 400 exceptit eliminates the spindle lever or drop arm and instead connects spindle64 directly to an axle 534 which extends substantially from one side ofthe vehicle to the other, similar to axle 34 in FIG. 2, with one end ofaxle 534 adjacent one side of the vehicle and the other end of axle 534adjacent the other side of the vehicle. Axle 534 is elongated and has anaxis which extends in the elongated direction of axle 534 and which issubstantially coaxial with axis 67 of spindle 64. Spindle 64 is receivedwithin axle 534 and fixedly mounted thereto. This is often done byswaging or crimping of the end of the axle about the spindle and weldingthe two together. The axle and spindle may also be formed as a one-pieceintegral structure.

Brake caliper 54 is mounted to spindle 64 via axle 534 and caliperbracket 52, the latter being connected to axle 534. As shown with system400, a modified caliper bracket may also be connected directly tospindle 64 where a modified spindle extends further inboard so that axle534 is attached to spindle 64 further inboard to expose spindle 64 tosuch direct connection. A dampening mechanism 538, showndiagrammatically, is mounted to axle 534 and is disposed below axle 534,although it may also be above or beside axle 534, and includes theoptions noted above with regard to the other embodiments.

Spindle 64 is entirely outboard of inner edge 230 of tire 232 althoughit may extend further inboard in the third embodiment than with thefirst two embodiments, since its connection to axle 534 prevents it fromlimiting the width of the cargo space added by the configuration ofsystem 500.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of changes can bemade to brake systems 10, 400 and 500 which are within the scope of thepresent invention, some of which are noted below. Caliper bracket 52 andspindle lever 48 of brake system 10 are described generally as aY-shaped member. However, this could vary quite a bit. Clearly, aspindle lever need not be an elongated member as long as it is capableof translating rotational movement of the spindle to a torque bar.Preferably, an alternate spindle lever would be dimensioned to bereceived at least partially within the tire profile. Similarly, acaliper bracket need not be in the form of a yoke, but more importantlybe configured for the mounting of a suitable brake caliper. In addition,when used on typical tires and rims, a brake caliper should typically beconfigured to be at least partially received within rim 46 to maintain anarrower brake system profile to allow an enlarged cargo area.Typically, a caliper bracket such as bracket 52 will be substantially orentirely within the tire profile, although even if it is not, cargospace between the wheels may still be substantially increased. Further,a caliper bracket need not be mounted at the extreme end of a spindlelever opposite from the mounting of the torque bar, but may be mountedin any suitable location on the spindle lever which allows for increasedcargo space between the wheels.

In addition, a brake caliper may be mounted directly to an altered formof the spindle lever such that there is no distinct caliper bracket.Such an altered configuration may require that the brake caliper alsohave an altered configuration. This concept is in keeping with theearlier noted preference of forming the caliper bracket and the spindlelever as an integral one-piece member, but also allows for a variety ofoptions by which the brake caliper may be mounted to the spindle leverin order to eliminate the prior art brake flange extending from thespindle and thereby narrow the width of the brake system.

Another option is to mount a caliper bracket directly to a spindle wherethe spindle lever does not extend outwardly from the spindle in someareas. As an example, brake system 400 shows this concept whereincaliper bracket 452 is mounted directly to drop center spindle 464.

It is also understood that on some rims, the mounting wall of the rimextends outwardly of the annular tire receiving wall. In such a case,the rim profile may still be considered as being between the inner andouter edges of the annular tire receiving wall. It is further noted thatthe spindle and the various components of the brake system may extendbeyond the outer plane of the tire or rim without departing from thespirit of the invention. Nonetheless, it is generally preferred forthese components to be inboard of the outer edge of the tire in order toprovide a more streamlined overall profile to reduce wind resistance,reduce potential damage to the wheel and related structure and forsafety purposes.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is anexample and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown ordescribed.

1. A brake system for a vehicle having a frame, the system comprising: aspindle assembly including a spindle member and an arm extendingtransversely therefrom; the spindle member having a first axis; at leastone wheel bearing mounted on the spindle member; a rim mounted on androtatable with respect to the spindle member about the axis via the atleast one wheel bearing; a tire mounted on the rim; the tire having asubstantially circular inner edge; the spindle assembly extendingradially outwardly from the axis no further than does the inner edge ofthe tire; a brake caliper mounted rigidly on the spindle assembly andbeing disposed at least partially outboard of the inner edge of thetire; and wherein the spindle assembly, wheel bearing, rim, tire andbrake caliper are rotatable as a unit about a second axis which isparallel to and offset from the first axis whereby the unit is adaptedto be rotatably mounted on the frame of the vehicle about the secondaxis.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the spindle assembly andthe brake caliper is disposed entirely outboard of the inner edge of thetire.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the tire has an outer edge whenthe rim is mounted on the spindle member; and wherein no portion of thebrake system is disposed outboard of the outer edge of the tire.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the rim has a substantially circular inneredge; and wherein the spindle assembly extends radially outwardly fromthe axis no further than does the inner edge of the rim.
 5. The systemof claim 1 wherein the tire has an outer edge when the rim is mounted onthe spindle member; and wherein no portion of the brake system isdisposed outboard of the outer edge of the tire.
 6. The brake system ofclaim 1 further including a brake rotor which is rotatable about theaxis and which the brake caliper selectively brakingly engages; whereinthe rim has an inner edge lying in a substantially vertical inner planeand an outer edge lying in a substantially vertical outer plane; whereina substantially vertical central plane is centered between the inner andouter planes and the three planes are substantially parallel to oneanother; and wherein the brake rotor is intersected by the centralplane.
 7. A brake system for a vehicle having a frame, the systemcomprising: a spindle assembly including a spindle member and an armextending transversely therefrom; the spindle member having an axis; atleast one wheel bearing mounted on the spindle member; a rim mounted onand rotatable with respect to the spindle member about the axis via theat least one wheel bearing; a tire mounted on the rim; the tire having asubstantially circular inner edge; the spindle assembly extendingradially outwardly from the axis no further than does the inner edge ofthe tire; a brake caliper mounted rigidly on the spindle assembly andbeing disposed at least partially outboard of the inner edge of thetire; and a dampening mechanism mounted on the frame of the vehicle anda mounting member rotatably mounted on the frame of the vehicle; whereinthe arm of the spindle assembly is a spindle lever extending between thespindle member and the mounting member whereby vertical movement of thespindle assembly is reacted in the dampening mechanism via rotation ofthe spindle lever and the mounting member.
 8. The system of claim 7wherein the mounting member extends radially outwardly from the axis nofurther than does the inner edge of the tire.
 9. The system of claim 7wherein the brake caliper is mounted on the spindle assembly via acaliper bracket extending from the spindle lever; and wherein thecaliper bracket is disposed at least partially outboard of the inneredge of the tire.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the spindle leverand caliper bracket are together formed as an integral one-piece member.11. The system of claim 9 wherein the entire caliper bracket is disposedoutboard of the inner edge of the tire.
 12. The system of claim 9wherein the spindle lever has first and second ends; wherein the spindlelever is connected adjacent the first end thereof to the mounting memberadjacent an outboard end thereof; wherein the spindle lever adjacent thesecond end thereof is connected to the spindle member; and wherein thecaliper bracket is connected to the spindle lever adjacent the secondend of the spindle lever.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the spindlelever and the caliper bracket together form a generally Y-shaped member,the spindle lever being an upright and the caliper bracket being a yokeconnected to the upright.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the yokeincludes a pair of laterally extending arms defining a space therebetween; and wherein a portion of the brake caliper is received withinthe space between the arms of the yoke when the brake caliper isattached to the caliper bracket.
 15. The system of claim 1 furtherincluding a rotor having opposed sides and rotatably mounted about theaxis and a pair of friction pads in opposed relation to one anothermovably mounted on the brake caliper for selectively brakingly engagingthe rotor respectively on the opposed sides thereof; and wherein therotor and friction pads are disposed entirely outboard of the inner edgeof the tire.
 16. The system of claim 15 further including a hub mountedon the spindle member rotatably about the axis; wherein the rotor isrigidly mounted on the hub; and wherein the hub is disposed entirelyoutboard of the inner edge of the tire.
 17. The brake system of claim 16wherein the rim includes an annular wall on which the tire is mountedand a mounting wall rigidly mounted on the hub; wherein the annular wallof the rim has an inner edge lying in a substantially vertical innerplane and an outer edge lying in a substantially vertical outer plane;wherein a substantially vertical central plane is centered between theinner and outer planes and the three planes are substantially parallelto one another; and wherein the mounting wall is disposed entirelybetween the outer plane and the central plane.
 18. A brake system for avehicle having a frame, the system comprising: a spindle including aspindle member and an arm which is rigidly mounted on and extendstransversely from the spindle member; the spindle member having a firstaxis and an externally threaded end adapted for threadedly engaging aretaining nut; a rim mounted on and rotatable with respect to thespindle member about the axis; a tire mounted on the rim; the tirehaving a substantially circular inner edge; a brake rotor rotatablymounted on the spindle about the axis and disposed entirely outboard ofthe inner edge of the tire; and a brake caliper for selectivelybrakingly engaging the rotor; the brake caliper being disposed entirelyoutboard of the inner edge of the tire; wherein the arm is rigidlymounted on the spindle member and is disposed at least partiallyoutboard of the inner edge of the tire; and wherein the spindle, rim,tire, brake rotor and brake caliper are rotatable as a unit about asecond axis which is parallel to and offset from the first axis wherebythe unit is adapted to be rotatably mounted on the frame of the vehicleabout the second axis.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein the vehiclehas first and second opposed sides; wherein an axle having first andsecond opposed ends extends from adjacent the first side of the vehicleto adjacent the second side of the vehicle; and wherein the spindle ismounted on the axle adjacent the first end thereof.
 20. The system ofclaim 18 wherein the arm is disposed substantially outboard of the inneredge of the tire.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein the spindle isdisposed entirely outboard of the inner edge of the tire.
 22. The systemof claim 20 further including a mounting member adapted to be rotatablymounted on the frame; wherein the arm is a spindle lever extendingbetween the mounting member and the spindle member; and wherein thebrake caliper is mounted on the spindle lever.
 23. The system of claim18 wherein the tire has an outer edge; and wherein no portion of thebrake system is disposed outboard of the outer edge of the tire.
 24. Abrake system for a vehicle having first and second opposed sides, thesystem comprising: a spindle including an elongated shaft having a firstaxis passing therethrough and an arm connected to and extendingtransversely from the shaft, the spindle being adapted to mount on anaxle adjacent one of first and second opposed ends of the axle, the axleextending between the first and second sides of the vehicle with thefirst end of the axle adjacent the first side of the vehicle and thesecond end of the axle adjacent the second side of the vehicle; a rimmounted on and rotatable with respect to the shaft about the axis; atire mounted on the rim and having an inner edge; the arm being disposedat least partially outboard of the inner edge; and a brake calipermounted rigidly on the spindle and being disposed at least partiallyoutboard of the inner edge; and wherein the spindle, rim, tire and brakecaliper are rotatable as a unit about a second axis which is parallel toand offset from the first axis whereby the unit is adapted to berotatably mounted on the vehicle about the second axis.
 25. A brakesystem for a vehicle having a frame, the system comprising: a spindleincluding a spindle member and an arm which is rigidly mounted on andextends transversely from the spindle member; the spindle member havinga first axis; an annular hub mounted on and rotatable with respect tothe spindle member about the axis; a portion of the spindle member beingdisposed within the hub; the hub having an inner edge and an outer edge;a brake rotor mounted on the hub entirely between the inner and outeredges of the hub; a brake caliper mounted rigidly on the spindle forselectively brakingly engaging the rotor; wherein a rim is rigidlymounted on the hub and has a substantially circular inner edge; whereinthe arm is disposed at least partially outboard of the inner edge of therim; and wherein the spindle, hub, rim, brake rotor and brake caliperare rotatable as a unit about a second axis which is parallel to andoffset from the first axis whereby the unit is adapted to be rotatablymounted on the frame of the vehicle about the second axis.
 26. Thesystem of claim 25 wherein the spindle has inner and outer edges; andwherein the brake caliper is mounted on the spindle adjacent the inneredge of the spindle.
 27. The system of claim 26 wherein the brakecaliper is mounted on the spindle via a caliper bracket having inner andouter edges; and wherein the inner edge of the caliper bracket issubstantially aligned with the inner edge of the spindle.
 28. The systemof claim 27 wherein the inner edge of the spindle extends along the armand is substantially perpendicular to the axis.
 29. The system of claim26 wherein the brake caliper is disposed entirely between the inner andouter edges of the spindle.
 30. The system of claim 25 wherein the armhas inner and outer edges; and wherein the outer edge of the arm isclosely adjacent the inner edge of the hub whereby the outer edge of thearm and the inner edge of the hub define there between a narrow space.31. The system of claim 30 wherein no structure is disposed within thenarrow space.
 32. The system of claim 25 wherein the rotor has opposedsides and wherein the brake caliper includes a pair of movable frictionpads in opposed relation to one another for selectively brakinglyengaging the rotor respectively on the opposed sides thereof; andwherein the friction pads are disposed entirely between the inner andouter edges of the hub.
 33. A brake system for a vehicle having a frame,the system comprising: a spindle including a spindle member and an armwhich is rigidly mounted on and extends transversely from the spindlemember; the spindle member having an axis; an annular hub mounted on androtatable with respect to the spindle member about the axis; a portionof the spindle member being disposed within the hub; the hub having aninner edge and an outer edge; a brake rotor mounted on the hub entirelybetween the inner and outer edges of the hub; and a brake calipermounted rigidly on the spindle for selectively brakingly engaging therotor; wherein the inner edge of the hub lies in a substantiallyvertical inner plane and the outer edge of the hub lies in asubstantially vertical outer plane; wherein a substantially verticalcentral plane is centered between the inner and outer planes and thethree planes are substantially parallel to one another; and wherein thebrake rotor is intersected by the central plane; and wherein no portionof the brake caliper is disposed outboard of the outer plane.
 34. Thesystem of claim 25 wherein the hub defines a plurality of holes and therotor defines a plurality of holes aligned with the holes in the hub;and wherein the rotor is connected to the hub by a plurality offasteners extending respectively through the aligned holes.
 35. Thesystem of claim 34 further including a rim; and wherein the fastenersconnecting the rotor to the hub connect the hub to the rim.
 36. Thesystem of claim 26 wherein the brake caliper is mounted on the spindlevia a caliper bracket including a pair of laterally extending armsdefining a space there between; and wherein a portion of the brakecaliper is received within the space between the arms of the caliperbracket when the brake caliper is attached to the caliper bracket. 37.The system of claim 36 wherein the transversely extending arm and thecaliper bracket together form a generally Y-shaped member, thetransversely extending arm being an upright and the caliper bracketbeing a yoke connected to the upright.
 38. The system of claim 1 furtherincluding an annular hub in which a portion of the spindle member isdisposed and on which the rim is rigidly mounted; and wherein the hub isrotatable with respect to the spindle member about the axis via the atleast one wheel bearing.
 39. The system of claim 38 further including abrake rotor which the brake caliper selectively brakingly engages andwhich is rigidly mounted on the hub and rotatable with the hub about theaxis.
 40. The system of claim 1 wherein the arm is rigidly mounted onthe spindle member and is disposed at least partially outboard of theinner edge of the tire.
 41. The system of claim 1 wherein the rim has asubstantially circular inner edge; wherein the arm is rigidly mounted onthe spindle member and is disposed at least partially outboard of theinner edge of the rim.
 42. The system of claim 1 wherein the arm andbrake caliper extend radially outwardly from the spindle member ingenerally opposite directions from one another.
 43. The system of claim18 wherein the rim has a substantially circular inner edge; wherein thearm is disposed at least partially outboard of the inner edge of therim.
 44. The system of claim 43 wherein the spindle extends radiallyoutwardly from the axis no further than does the inner edge of the rim.45. The system of claim 18 further including an annular hub in which aportion of the spindle member is disposed and on which the rim isrigidly mounted; and wherein the hub is rotatable with respect to thespindle member about the axis.
 46. The system of claim 24 wherein therim has a substantially circular inner edge; wherein the arm is disposedat least partially outboard of the inner edge of the rim.
 47. The systemof claim 24 further including at least one wheel bearing mounted on theshaft; and wherein the rim is mounted on and rotatable with respect tothe shaft about the axis via the at least one wheel bearing.
 48. Thesystem of claim 24 further including an annular hub in which a portionof the shaft is disposed and on which the rim is rigidly mounted; andwherein the hub is rotatable with respect to the shaft about the axis.49. The system of claim 25 wherein a rim is rigidly mounted on androtatable with the hub and has a substantially circular inner edge; andwherein the spindle extends radially outwardly from the axis no furtherthan does the inner edge of the rim.
 50. A brake system for a vehiclehaving a frame, the system comprising: a spindle including a spindlemember and an arm which is rigidly mounted on and extends transverselyfrom the spindle member; the spindle member having a first axis; anannular hub mounted on and rotatable with respect to the spindle memberabout the axis; a portion of the spindle member being disposed withinthe hub; the hub having an inner edge and an outer edge; a rim rigidlymounted on and rotatable with the hub; a tire which is mounted on therim and has a substantially circular inner edge; wherein the arm isdisposed at least partially outboard of the inner edge of the tire; abrake rotor mounted on the hub entirely between the inner and outeredges of the hub; and a brake caliper mounted rigidly on the spindle forselectively brakingly engaging the rotor; and wherein the spindle, hub,rim, tire, brake rotor and brake caliper are rotatable as a unit about asecond axis which is parallel to and offset from the first axis wherebythe unit is adapted to be rotatably mounted on the frame of the vehicleabout the second axis.
 51. The system of claim 1 further including adampening mechanism adapted to mount on the frame of the vehicle and amounting member adapted to be rotatably mounted on the frame of thevehicle; wherein the arm of the spindle assembly is a spindle leverextending between the spindle member and the mounting member wherebyvertical movement of the spindle assembly is reacted in the dampeningmechanism via rotation of the spindle lever and the mounting member. 52.The system of claim 18 further including a dampening mechanism adaptedto mount on the frame of the vehicle and a mounting member adapted to berotatably mounted on the frame of the vehicle; wherein the arm of thespindle is a spindle lever extending between the spindle member and themounting member whereby vertical movement of the spindle is reacted inthe dampening mechanism via rotation of the spindle lever and themounting member.
 53. The system of claim 24 further including adampening mechanism adapted to mount on the frame of the vehicle and amounting member adapted to be rotatably mounted on the frame of thevehicle; wherein the arm of the spindle is a spindle lever extendingbetween the spindle member and the mounting member whereby verticalmovement of the spindle is reacted in the dampening mechanism viarotation of the spindle lever and the mounting member.
 54. The system ofclaim 25 further including a dampening mechanism adapted to mount on theframe of the vehicle and a mounting member adapted to be rotatablymounted on the frame of the vehicle; wherein the arm of the spindle is aspindle lever extending between the spindle member and the mountingmember whereby vertical movement of the spindle is reacted in thedampening mechanism via rotation of the spindle lever and the mountingmember.
 55. A brake system for a vehicle having a frame, the systemcomprising: a spindle including a spindle member and an arm which isrigidly mounted on and extends transversely from the spindle member; thespindle member having an axis; an annular hub mounted on and rotatablewith respect to the spindle member about the axis; a portion of thespindle member being disposed within the hub; the hub having an inneredge and an outer edge; a brake rotor mounted on the hub entirelybetween the inner and outer edges of the hub; a brake caliper mountedrigidly on the spindle for selectively brakingly engaging the rotor; anda dampening mechanism adapted to mount on the frame of the vehicle and amounting member adapted to be rotatably mounted on the frame of thevehicle; wherein the arm of the spindle is a spindle lever extendingbetween the spindle member and the mounting member whereby verticalmovement of the spindle is reacted in the dampening mechanism viarotation of the spindle lever and the mounting member; and wherein theinner edge of the hub lies in a substantially vertical inner plane andthe outer edge of the hub lies in a substantially vertical outer plane;wherein a substantially vertical central plane is centered between theinner and outer planes and the three planes are substantially parallelto one another; and wherein the brake rotor is intersected by thecentral plane.
 56. A brake system for a vehicle having a frame, thesystem comprising: a spindle including a spindle member and an arm whichis rigidly mounted on and extends transversely from the spindle member;the spindle member having an axis; an annular hub mounted on androtatable with respect to the spindle member about the axis; a portionof the spindle member being disposed within the hub; the hub having aninner edge and an outer edge; a brake rotor mounted on the hub entirelybetween the inner and outer edges of the hub; and a brake calipermounted rigidly on the spindle for selectively brakingly engaging therotor; wherein the inner edge of the hub lies in a substantiallyvertical inner plane and the outer edge of the hub lies in asubstantially vertical outer plane; wherein a substantially verticalcentral plane is centered between the inner and outer planes and thethree planes are substantially parallel to one another; and wherein thebrake rotor is intersected by the central plane; and wherein the axis ofthe spindle member is a first axis; and wherein the spindle, hub, brakerotor and brake caliper are rotatable as a unit about a second axiswhich is parallel to and offset from the first axis whereby the unit isadapted to be rotatably mounted on the frame of the vehicle about thesecond axis.
 57. The system of claim 50 further including a dampeningmechanism adapted to mount on the frame of the vehicle and a mountingmember adapted to be rotatably mounted on the frame of the vehicle;wherein the arm of the spindle is a spindle lever extending between thespindle member and the mounting member whereby vertical movement of thespindle is reacted in the dampening mechanism via rotation of thespindle lever and the mounting member.
 58. The system of claim 33further including a rim mounted on and rotatable with respect to thespindle member about the axis; wherein the rim has a substantiallycircular outer edge; and wherein no portion of the brake caliper isdisposed outboard of the outer edge of the rim.
 59. The system of claim33 further including a rim mounted on and rotatable with respect to thespindle member about the axis; and a tire mounted on the rim and havingan outer edge; and wherein no portion of the brake system is disposedoutboard of the outer edge of the tire.
 60. The system of claim 33further including a rim mounted on and rotatable with respect to thespindle member about the axis; wherein the rim includes a tire receivingannular wall and a mounting wall which is rigidly connected to theannular wall and extends radially inwardly therefrom; wherein themounting wall is connected to the hub and is disposed entirely outboardof the central plane; and wherein the brake rotor is disposed entirelyinboard of the mounting wall.
 61. The system of claim 33 furtherincluding a rim mounted on and rotatable with respect to the spindlemember about the axis; wherein the rim has a substantially circularinner edge; wherein the arm extends radially outwardly from the axis nofurther than does the inner edge of the rim.